Every decision you make, big or small, draws from your brain’s energy and pool of resources. And as the day wears on, resources get used up and fatigue sets in. Once this starts your brain will default to the easier choices or procrastination.
I’ve seen this happen with top NBA players I’ve worked with. By the end of a season, some players struggle to make decisions because their minds are burnt out. But this isn’t just limited to professional athletes, this happens to anyone who has to make a lot of decisions throughout a day.
Here’s some strategies that I’ve found to help avoid burnout.
Prioritize Your Most Important Decisions Early:
Your brian is freshest in the morning, so it’s important to tackle the hard stuff early on.
Why it Works:
I learned this lesson the hard way when I started my business. I used to schedule important meetings for the afternoon only to find my mental energy draining by that point. Now, I front-load my day with important decisions, and it makes all the difference.
Minimize Micro-Decisions with Routines
Every small decision you make, what to wear, what to eat, what to do next; these all take a toll on your mental energy. By simplifying daily routines, you free up more of that energy for bigger decisions.
Why it works:
For years, I struggled with wardrobe choices, but once I simplified, I noticed an immediate improvement in my day flowed. Meal prep was another game changer. It saves time, but more importantly, it saves my mental energy for the important stuff.
Use Decision Frameworks to Speed Up Choices
When you’re faced with too many decisions, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Decision frameworks help you make smarter choices faster.
Why It Works:
Using frameworks takes the guesswork out of decisions, helping you stay focused and move quickly without second-guessing yourself. For example, I use the 5-second rule for minor decisions—it stops me from overthinking and keeps the momentum going.
Manage Your Energy, Not Just Your Time
Time management is important, but energy management is just as crucial. You can’t make great decisions if your mind is constantly drained.
Why It Works:
I’ve learned how important it is to take breaks. I always make time for physical activity, whether it's a walk or a quick stretch session. Staying hydrated and having balanced meals throughout the day also makes a huge difference in mental clarity.
5. Automate and Delegate
Getting rid of unnecessary decisions gives you more mental space for the things that really matter.
Why It Works:
When I first started my business, I tried to do everything myself, and it drained me. Over time, I learned to delegate tasks and automate processes. That freed up a huge amount of mental space for important decisions, and my performance skyrocketed.
Final Thoughts:
Decision fatigue is a real challenge, but it doesn’t have to ruin your productivity. By focusing on the big decisions early, simplifying your daily routines, and managing your energy, you’ll conserve your cognitive resources and keep performing at your best.
Stay tuned for more insights in The Climb Report—together, we’ll keep climbing higher.
Credible Sources:
